A CHARITY worker, who is one of the few Western women to work with leprosy victims, is almost half way to collecting enough cash to set up a special clinic in India.

Since former sufferer Leah Pattison's remarkable story appeared in The Northern Echo, readers have raised money and sent donations to help her achieve her dream.

She needs £15,000 to build and equip a leprosy clinic for women living in the slums of Nagpur, in the central Indian state of Maharashtra, where she has been a voluntary worker for the past five years.

Leah, 28, raised £500 earlier this year by selling off her possessions, stored at the home of her parents, Derek and Sandy, near Frosterley, in Weardale, County Durham.

Mr Pattison helped Leah set up the clinic project, called Start, and used his skills as an architect to design the proposed building.

With Leah back in Nagpur, he has been collecting donations and offers of support and has been overwhelmed by the response.

The latest gift of £125 has come from 15 teenage students with severe learning difficulties.

They held a sponsored activity day at the Trinity School, Durham.

Mr Pattison said: "The amazing thing is that people old and young have written from all over to give. There is a great generosity of spirit.

"Leah is working in Nagpur among the women she hopes to help. She is making contact with the women to build up a relationship with them. She needs them to have confidence in her.

"Her work is already started but it will probably be another year before she can actually build the clinic."

Start can be contacted on (01388) 528497.